April Sentinel 2025

The

The

Volume 49 No. 8 April 2025

Photo by Bill Adam

GWSA Photography Club

The Sentinel • April 2025 • Vol.49 No.8

2

3

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is

a non-profit organization based at the

Evergreen Seniors Community Centre

www.gwsa-guelph.ca

Board of Directors

Pat Gage, President

Cathryn Cortissoz, Vice-President

Art Roelofsen, Treasurer

Charlie Bishop

Karen Kelly

Elizabeth Steggles

Yvonne Thomas

Donna Keating

Brigitte Geisler

Kim Taylor

Eva Quan

Jeff Millard

GWSA Office Staff

Linda Jeffrey, Executive Director

Audrey Bishop, Program Coordinator

Sharon Lamers, Finance Administrator

The Sentinel Staff

Carol Croft, Administrator, Printer

Russ Brown, Editor

Ray Miller, Assistant Administrator, Printer

George Hughes, Printer

City of Guelph Staff

Melissa Haynes, Supervisor, Senior & Youth

Services

Melissa DeNardis, Recreation Coordinator –

Senior Services

Becky MacDonald, Recreation Coordinator –

Volunteers

Mark Leeming, Chef

Joan Moynihan, Sous Chef

Jill Hunt, Customer Service Clerk

IN THIS ISSUE

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD ........................... 4

GWSA GROUP ACTIVITY INFORMATION ............ 5

CLUBS AND DROP-IN ACTIVITIES: APRIL ....... 12

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ................................. 14

FOCUS ON MEMBERS ................................... 15

Friends with Benefits: How Social

Relationships Can Lead to Better

Health Outcomes .................................... 15

Who Knew I Had Artistic Skill and Talent?! . 19

Thank You to The Kloepfer Gallery ............ 20

Art in the Hall Show ................................ 21

Thank You from the Craft Group ............... 22

Evergreen Market Place ........................... 22

Birthdays .............................................. 22

Recent Passings ..................................... 22

PUZZLES, GAMES & COMICS ......................... 37

BISTRO 683 MENU: APRIL ............................ 40

EVERGREEN SENIORS COMMUNITY CENTRE

is a recreation facility owned by the City of

Guelph. The Guelph Wellington Seniors

Association works in collaboration with the

City to provide diverse programs, activities,

and services for older adults of Guelph and

Wellington County.

683 Woolwich St.

Guelph, ON N1H 3Y8

GWSA: (519) 837-5696 Fax (855) 534-0957

City: (519) 837-5699 Fax (519) 823-8972

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Monday to Friday

(Closed Statutory Holidays)

Read The Sentinel on our website

www.gwsa-guelph.ca

ISSN: 0383 817X

SENTINEL OFFICE

Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (except

holidays) 9 a.m.–1 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Contact us by email sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca,

phone (519) 822–1260 x2695, or written message

left in our GWSA office mailbox.

DISCLAIMER

The Sentinel and the GWSA do not necessarily

agree with or support statements in the Sentinel

made by advertisers or in submissions by writers.

SENTINEL SUBMISSIONS

The deadline for submissions to the May Sentinel is

April 7, 2025. Email your submissions to

sentinel@gwsa-guelph.ca.

The Sentinel • April 2025

4

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

Resilience in Times of Change

T

hese days, whenever you come into

the Evergreen Centre, there are so

many changes taking place. Whether it’s

the relocation of the Treasure Chest, the

construction of the new GWSA Hub, or

the implementation of the new

MySeniorCenter software, we are all

getting used to the changes.

currently in the midst of conducting a

review of all their Community Benefit

Agreements. Their goal is to improve

consistency and effectiveness for

recipients, the community, staff and

Council. Our new agreement with the city

will require us to report and deliver on

measurable goals and outcomes as well

as key performance indexes. These new

reporting requirements will focus on

measurable outcomes that align not only

with the City of Guelph’s Strategic Plan,

but that of the Guelph Wellington Seniors

Association.

Research shows that the moment we are

in is actually ripe for measured action,

because, in the toughest of times, people

turn to each other rather than away.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty, I feel

optimistic about GWSA’s future. Thirtyfive

years ago, our association grew from

several groups of older adults becoming

active in their communities to support

unmet needs. Driven by the passion and

advocacy of local leaders, including

support from the Rotary Club of Guelph,

a Senior Citizens Advisory Board was

established to push for a dedicated

centre for older adults. In 1988, the

GWSA was born, and, by 1989, it was

officially incorporated as a charitable,

non-profit organization.

As I’ve written about previously, our

relationship with the City of Guelph will

also be evolving because they are

As a Board, we don’t have all the

answers, but as your advocates we

choose to see this moment as an

opportunity to be creative, agile and

resilient. After all, as an association, we

have a history of enabling older adults to

be active, involved, make friends and

age with dignity.

Pat Gage, President


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GWSA GROUP ACTIVITY INFORMATION

Y

our GWSA membership includes a copy of The Sentinel newsletter published ten

times a year, and the ability to join any of our many activities and events. Our

activity groups use two models for collecting group fees: pay-as-you-play or a yearly

activity fee (all fees include HST). 1 We also offer regular educational and informational

workshops, many at no charge for our members.

Note All activity groups require an up-to-date GWSA membership to participate.

Art in the Hall

display their work in Art in the Hall

Art in the Hall is an opportunity for all exhibits at the Evergreen Centre.

artisans to showcase their work. We

Room 2

display the fine artistic talents on two

Jennifer Storey

large walls in front of our Library and a artstudio@gwsa-guelph.ca

dedicated window space for smaller

Every 2 nd & 4 th Wed., 1–5 p.m.

items.

$35/year

GWSA receives 20% commission from

Badminton 2

each sale. To purchase any of the art

Evergreen Auditorium

pieces, the staff at the HUB desk will

Michael Gareau (365) 292-0078

assist you.

badminton@gwsa-guelph.ca

Kim Taylor

Tues., 7–9:30 p.m.

artinthehall@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs. & Fri., 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Art Studio––Mixed Media

Sun., 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Art Studio is an art collective. Artists are Mon. & Wed., 1–4 p.m. (at WECC)

welcome to work with their medium of (No play at WECC Jul. & Aug.)

choice. Current techniques practiced

$140/year

include watercolour, acrylic, drawing,

Beading and Jewelry Making

pastels, greeting card creation, and

We always welcome new members and

diamond dots. While new mediums are

invite you to bring your beading supplies.

encouraged, the centre is now scentfree,

so materials with strong odours,

Leslie will facilitate impromptu miniclasses

on Metis beadworking.

such as oil paints, are not permitted.

Board Room

Artists must supply their own materials

Eva Quan

and manage their own projects. While

beading@gwsa-guelph.ca

there's no formal instruction, members

Fri., 9:30–11:30 a.m.

frequently exchange tips and insights.

$2/visit

Additionally, members are eligible to

1 Prices included herein become effective April 1.

2 There’s a waitlist for interested players.


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Book Club 1

For April, we will be reading The

Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy

Myerson. For May, our May book is Black

Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson.

Board Room

Veronica Sanche (519) 767-9991

bookclub1@gwsa-guelph.ca

Last Fri. of month, 1–2:30 p.m.

$3/visit

Book Club 2

We enjoy reading a variety of books such

as mysteries, historical fiction, memoirs,

etc., and then we discuss them. We all

share our views on the books, some we

enjoy, some not so much, but sharing

our viewpoints helps us explore all sides

of a story. For March, we will be reading

a thriller fiction by Ashley Tate called

Twenty-Seven Minutes. For April, we will

be reading a historical fiction by Madeline

Martin called The Keeper of Hidden

Books.

Board Room

Lynne Oxley (416) 918-7466

bookclub2@gwsa-guelph.ca

2 nd Fri. of month, 1–2:30 p.m.

$3/visit

Bridge

The Bridge group welcomes players with

a basic knowledge of the game. Come

and enjoy playing in a friendly and

comfortable environment. We mix and

mingle with a room full of eager players

so that everyone has a partner.

Room 2

Sandi Kinsey

bridge@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs., 12:30–2:30 p.m.

$2/visit

Bunka Art Group

Bunka embroidery is created by using a

unique combination of punch needle and

special silk-like rayon thread. When

completed, many pictures resemble

delicately shaded paintings. The needle is

held and operates in much the same

manner as an artist’s brush or pencil. We

mentor new members and supplies are

ordered as a group.

Room 3

Carol Ferrier (519) 831-1387

bunka@gwsa-guelph.ca

Wed., 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

$35/year

Canasta

All levels of players are welcome. We are

a friendly group and are happy to teach

you how to play.

Room 3

Sandi Kinsey

canasta@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri., 9–11:30 a.m.

$2/visit

Canoe Club

Bob Bonham

canoeclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Canoe season runs from the Meet-N-

Greet in Apr. to the end of Sept. Canoe

outings are generally every Thurs. and

Fri., 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

$115/year

Casual Biking

Various locations in and around Guelph.

John Ness

casualbicycling@gwsa-guelph.ca

Wed., May 1–Oct. 31, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

$15/year


7

Chess Club

Calling all chess lovers. We welcome

players of all levels. Primarily, we are

amateur players enjoying casual chess

games. Chess sets are available.

Evergreen Hallway

Bruce Hurst (519) 831-4340

chessclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri., 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$2/visit

Colouring for Calm

Room 2

Rick Losole

colouringforcalm@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri., 12–2 p.m.

$2/visit

Computer Club

Room 1

Ross Knechtel (226) 706-4058

Ken Chupa (519) 829-9407

computerclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Jan., Mar., May, Sept., Nov.

2 nd Mon., 2–4 p.m.

$3/visit

Computer Mentoring

Do you need help with your device? Our

team is here to help with any of the

following: laptop, tablet, smartphone.

We provide one-to-one support with

devices running Microsoft, Chrome, Apple

or Android operating systems.

We help with email accounts, organizing

files, learning new features. No

appointment necessary. Let us help you

build your confidence and skills with

technology.

Room 1

Ken Chupa (519) 829-9407

computer.mentors@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon., 1–3 p.m.

GWSA members $3/visit

Non-member $5/visit

Craft Club

The GWSA craft group provides supplies

for those wishing to continue using their

skills to create products for sale in our

Treasure Chest. Our home-based knitters

and those who come to the centre have

produced amazing products, and the

sales support GWSA and its operations.

Room 2

Sheila Robinson (519) 836-9478

craftgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri., 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Cribbage

Every Tuesday afternoon, a group of

happy and welcoming folks get together

to play a friendly game of cribbage. New

players are always welcome. We will

teach you!

Room 3

Elaine Miller

cribbage@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues., 12:45–4 p.m.

$2/visit

Darts Club

Evergreen Auditorium Stage

Paul Anderson (519) 835-1534

dartsclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues. and Fri., 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$35/year

Diabetes Support Group

This is a peer-led support group for folks

diagnosed with diabetes and their

partners. Join us as we chat about the

challenges of living with diabetes.

Room 1

Bill MacDonald (519) 400-0950

diabetessupport@gwsa-guelph.ca

2 nd Tues., 11 a.m.–12 p.m.


8

4 th Tues., 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

$2/visit

Euchre

¨ On Mondays

Room 3

Earl Mead

euchre-monday@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon., 1–4 p.m.

$2/visit

¨ On Fridays

Room 4

Peter Smith (519) 217-8986

euchre-friday@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri., 1:30–4 p.m.

$2/visit

Bid Euchre

If you play Euchre, you can play Bid

Euchre. Make new friends enjoying this

stimulating game!

John Finamore (519) 993-8221

bideuchre@gwsa-guelph.ca

¨ On Tuesdays

Room 1

Tues., 1–4 p.m.

$2/visit

¨ On Thursdays

Room 3

Thurs., 1–4 p.m.

$2/visit

Golf

Tom Kane (519) 827-1475

golf@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon., 6 a.m.–6 p.m., May–Sept.

$15/year

Line Dancing

Great exercise for your body and mind.

You meet new friends, enjoy great

music, and no partner is required. All

levels are welcome, especially new

dancers.

¨ Monday Line Dance Classes

§ 8:35–9:35 a.m., Introduction to

Line Dancing

§ 9:40–10:40 a.m., Beyond the

Basics

§ 10:45-11:45 a.m., Intermediate

¨ Thursday Line Dance Classes

§ 1:10–2:10 p.m., Introduction to

Line Dancing

§ 2:15–3:15 p.m., Beyond the Basics

For all GWSA members, 1 st visit free,

then $2 for each session.


Phyllis (519) 760-9415

Donna (519) 831-0943

linedancing@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon., 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Thurs., 1–3:15 p.m.

Mah Jongg

This game is played with tiles, like

dominoes. We are happy to provide

instruction to new players.

Evergreen Hallway

Leona Petri (519) 546-9993

mahjong@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon., 1:30–4:30 p.m.

$2/visit

Move a Little Move a Lot

A gentle exercise program using balls

and therabands.

Room 3

audrey.bishop@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon., 11–11:45 a.m.

GWSA members $2/session

Non-members $4/session

Peer Learning

Peer Learning is for seniors who like to

have a good discussion with a small,

friendly group. It’s a great way to meet


new people and have fun while learning. Rug Hooking

To put your name on our email list,

contact Barb McLeod at (519) 823-2531.

Board Room

Mon., Jan. 6–Mar. 17, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

$20/course

Photography Club

The Photography Club is a friendly group

of amateur photographers. Our

equipment ranges from mobile phones,

point-and-shoot to fancy DSLR cameras.

We share a common interest in this

hobby, and we learn from each other.

Room 4

Stu McCannell

photographyclub@gwsa-guelph.ca

Last Mon. of every month, 2:30–5 p.m.

$40/year

Pickleball 3

We play at the Evergreen Seniors

Community Centre and West End

Community Centre (WECC) six days per

week. Players are tested and play

against similar skill levels.

pickleball@gwsa-guelph.ca

$70 twice/year

Quilting

Our members come and create amazing

items for sale in the Treasure Chest. Join

us, grab some materials, and get your

creative juices flowing. The items

contributed are a crucial part of GWSA

fundraising.

Room 2

Beryl Drohan (519) 827-0120

quiltgroup@gwsa-guelph.ca

Mon., 12:30–4 p.m.

3 Activity/waitlist is currently full.

9

Traditional rug hooking is both an art and

a craft. Many beautiful and unique items

are created by pulling loops of fabric or

yarn through a stiff, woven base such as

burlap or linen. Beginners are welcome

and we will help you get started. Please

bring your own supplies.

Room 2

Kathy McCallum

rughooking@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues., 12–4 p.m.

$35/year

Saturday Dances


dances@gwsa-guelph.ca

Once a month on a Saturday

7:30–11 p.m.

$20/ticket

Scrabble

All skills from newbie to expert are

welcome. Drop-ins are welcome. We

especially love new players. Scrabble

boards are provided. All you need is a

GWSA membership!

Evergreen Hallway

Sebastian (647) 580-5780

scrabble@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs., 1:30–3:30 p.m.

$2/visit

Seated Dance Fitness

Six-week class designed for older adults

with reduced mobility.

Room 4

audrey.bishop@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs., Jan. 30–Mar. 6, 10:30–

11:30 a.m.


10

GWSA members free

Non-members $2 donation

Shuffleboard

All skill levels are welcome. Join a group

of active folks looking to share some

exercise and laughs. All supplies are

provided.


Carolina Augello (519) 824-2853

shuffleboard@gwsa-guelph.ca

Tues. & Wed., 1–3 p.m.

$35/year

Silver Drummers

It’s fun to drum! We look forward to

seeing you on Thursday morning to

experience our Drum Circle. We have

drums and percussion instruments to

share or bring your own. We play with

joy!

Room 3

Sue Paul (226) 500-4158

silverdrummers@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs., 10–11 a.m.

$2/visit

Silver Strummers

We welcome all skill levels to our ukelele

orchestra. You will be provided with all

the information you need to get started.

Come and try the universally accessible

and friendly instrument of the ukulele.

Room 3

silverstrummers@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri., 11:45 a.m.–1:45 p.m.

$85/year

Silvertones Choir

To join this choir, you do not need to be

able to read music, just have a love for

singing. This group is currently at

capacity.

Room 3

Darlene Pembleton (519) 822-0704

silvertones@gwsa-guelph.ca

Fri., 1:45–4 p.m.

$85/year

Snooker Club

We are a group of active, friendly players

of all skill levels. Please drop by the

Snooker Room. You will be assured a

warm welcome. We have three tables so

we can accommodate many players.

Ladies, don’t be shy. Our small ladies’

contingent typically plays on Tuesday

mornings.

Evergreen Snooker Room

Brian Yasvinski (905)-301-2786

snooker@gwsa-guelph.ca

Daily 9–5 p.m.

$115/year

Table Tennis


Petr Vales

tabletennis@gwsa-guelph.ca

$140/year

¨ At Evergreen

Mon., 3–6:15 p.m.

Wed., 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sat., 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

¨ At West End

Fri., 1–4 p.m. (WECC except

during Jul./Aug.)

Texas Hold ’Em

Come to Room 1 and enjoy a lively

bunch of players. We play on a point

system and the one with the most points

each week comes out a winner. Your $2

will buy $650 in “real” casino chips. We

play until there is only one player left or

to a set time, whichever comes first. New

players are welcome; we can teach you.


11

¨ Texas Hold ’Em Poker Thursday

Room 1

Dennis Canning (519) 824-0552

texasholdempokertuesday@gwsaguelph.ca

Thurs., 2–5 p.m.

$2/visit

¨ Texas Hold ’Em Poker Friday

Room 1

Brian Pittana (519) 993-4024

texasholdempokerfriday@gwsaguelph.ca

Fri., 2–5 p.m.

$2/visit

Walking Club 4

Walking Club is a great way to exercise,

enjoy nature, and make new friends

while discovering the trails in the area.

Our walks start out from Riverside Park,

or we meet at one of the many wonderful

Guelph walking trails or nearby

conservation areas. Walks are at your

own pace and you must arrange your

own transportation to the trail head.

Walks happen rain or shine.

walkingclub@gwsa-guelph.ca”

Apr.–Oct.

Thurs., 9 a.m.

$15/year

Watercolour––Mixed Media

This group provides painters the

opportunity to practise their hobby with

others sharing the same interest. No

classes or lessons are offered. We

welcome accomplished watercolour

painters.

Room 2

Marta Coutts

watercolourpainters@gwsa-guelph.ca

1 st , 3 rd , & 5 th Wed., 1–5 p.m.

$35/year

Wood Carving Group

We do carving in the round, like cartoon

characters, birds and wildlife, spoons,

bowls, etc. Other carving techniques

include marquetry and pyrography.

Training available.

Room 1

Ken Fugler

woodcarving@gwsa-guelph.ca

Wed., 2–5 p.m.

$45/year

Writing Your Life Story

Researching and writing your life story

can prove to be a very worthwhile

activity. We will guide you and help you

“fill in the blanks” as you create your life

story. Old photos, albums, etc. can be

used in researching your life history. Our

group is ongoing, and spaces are limited.

Join us and share your story!

Board Room

Jennifer Blackie (519) 824-7204

writingyourlifestory@gwsa-guelph.ca

Thurs., 1–3 p.m.

$50 every 6 months

4 For first walk only on Apr. 24, we will meet at

8:30 a.m. in the Bistro at the GWSA Evergreen Centre.


CLUBS AND DROP-IN ACTIVITIES: APRIL

12

W – West End Community Centre

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

8:30a–12:30p Pickleball

10a–12p Darts


(B/I)

12–2p Pickleball (A) W

12–4p Rug Hooking

12:30–4p Cribbage

1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Bid Euchre


7–9:30p Badminton

2

8:30–10a Pickleball (I/A)

9a–12p Bunka

10a–1p Table Tennis

1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Badminton W

1:30p BINGO

2–5p Wood Carving

3

8:30–10:30a Pickleball (B/I)

10–11a Silver Drummers

10:30a–1p Badminton


12:30–3:30p Bridge

1–3p Writing Your Life Story

1–3:30p Scrabble

1–4p Bid Euchre

1:10–2:10p Intro to Line

Dancing

2–4p Pickleball (B/I) W

2–5 Texas HE Poker

2:15–3:15p Beyond the

Basics Line Dancing

4

8a–12p Crafts


9–11:30a Canasta

9:30–11:30a Beading

10a–12p Chess

10a–12p Darts


12–1p Silver Strummers Beg.

1–2p Silver Strummers Exp.

1–2:30p Book Club 2

1–3p Pickleball

1–4p Table Tennis W

1:30–4p Euchre

2–3:30p Silver Ringers

2–3:30p Silvertones

7

8:35–9:35a Introduction to

Line Dancing

9:40–10:40a Beyond the

Basics Line Dancing

10:45–11:45a Int. Line Dancing

12–3p Pickleball (B/I)

12:30–4p Quilting

1–3p Computer Mentoring

1–3p Euchre

1–4p Badminton W

1:30–4:30p Mah Jongg

2–4p Computer Club

3–6:15p Table Tennis

14


Line Dancing


Basics Line Dancing

10:45–11:45a Int. Line Dancing


12:30–4p Quilting


1–3p Euchre

1–4p Badminton W


2–4p Computer Club


6–9p Carving Club

Continued next page

8


10a–12p Darts


(B/I)


12–4p Rug Hooking

12:30–4p Cribbage

1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Bid Euchre


7–9:30p Badminton

15


10a–12p Darts


(B/I)


12–4p Rug Hooking

12:30–4p Cribbage

1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Bid Euchre


7–9:30p Badminton

9


9a–12p Bunka


1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Badminton W

1–5p Art Studio––Mixed

Media

1:30p BINGO

2–5p Wood Carving

16


9a–12p Bunka


1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Badminton W

1:30p BINGO

2–5p Wood Carving

10





12:30–3:30p Bridge


1–3:30p Scrabble

1–4p Bid Euchre


Dancing




Basics Line Dancing

17





12:30–3:30p Bridge


1–3:30p Scrabble

1–4p Bid Euchre


Dancing




Basics Line Dancing

2–5p Texas HE Poker

11

8a–12p Crafts


9–11:30a Canasta


10a–12p Chess

10a–12p Darts


12–1p Silver Strummers Beg

1–2p Silver Strummers Exp

1–3p Pickleball


1:30–4p Euchre




18

CLOSED for Good Friday


13


21

CLOSED for Easter

28


Line Dancing

9a Walking Club


Basics Line Dancing

10:45–11:45a Int. Line

Dancing


12:30–4p Quilting


1–3p Euchre

1–4p Badminton W


2:30–5p Photography Club


22


10a–12p Darts


(B/I)


12–4p Rug Hooking

12:30–4p Cribbage

1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Bid Euchre


7–9:30p Badminton

29


10a–12p Darts


(B/I)


12–4p Rug Hooking

12:30–4p Cribbage

1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Bid Euchre


7–9:30p Badminton

23


9a–12p Bunka


1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Badminton W

1–5p Art Studio––Mixed

Meida

1:30p BINGO

2–5p Wood Carving

30


9a–12p Bunka


1–3p Shuffleboard

1–4p Badminton W

1:30p BINGO

2–5p Wood Carving

24


9a Walking Club




12:30–3:30p Bridge


1–3:30p Scrabble

1–4p Bid Euchre


Dancing




Basics Line Dancing

Weekend

Ac>vi>es

Saturday

9–12a Table Tennis

7:30 p.m. on

Mar. 29: Dancing at

the Green

25

8a–12p Crafts


9–11:30a Canasta


10a–12p Chess

10a–12p Darts


12–1p Silver Strummers Beg

1–2p Silver Strummers Exp

1–2:30p Book Club 1

1–3p Pickleball


1:30–4p Euchre




Sunday

8:30a–10:45a

Pickleball (B/I)

10:45a–1p

Pickleball (I/A)

1:30–3:30p

Badminton

Everyday

Ac>vi>es

9–4p Snooker

10a–3p Library

Feb High Scores

High Finishes

Larry 106,114,102,108,131 Bill 72 (D18, D18)

Richard 134,140 Marcel 86 (T18, D16)

Francine 102 Paul 60 (20, D20)

Art 126,100

Rino 125,108

Bill 133,127,114

Marcel 100,100

Norm 116

Doris 117,140,100,100,120,100,121,132


14

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

GWSA Board Committee

Looking for two members to sit on our

Finance, Membership & Marketing, and

Governance committees. Decisions made

at these meetings are the driving forces

behind GWSA.

Member Liaison

Looking for folks willing to call our

members to update their data

information. This work can be done

during times that are convenient for you

and can be done from the comfort of

your home or in one of our offices.

Sentinel Delivery Driver

Driver needed to deliver the monthly

GWSA newsletter, The Sentinel.

Deliveries are always made within the

city limits and usually the route does not

change.

Sentinel Assistant Administrator

Are you a self-starter looking for a

rewarding volunteer position? The

Sentinel Office requires someone to

assist the Sentinel Administrator in

providing office and clerical support for

the membership at the GWSA Evergreen

Centre. Volunteer attributes include skills

in leadership, organization, problem

solving, conflict resolution, and written

and oral communications. Some

computer experience with applications

using everyday office routines is desired.

Knowledge of newsletter production,

printing, and distribution is a definite

asset.

How to Get Involved

¨ Decide which position interests you

the most.

¨ Complete an online application form:

No computer? Paper forms are

available upon request at all

community centres. You will be

contacted regarding the area of

interest you select.

¨ Complete an in-person or virtual

interview.

¨ Complete the necessary online

training that will be sent following the

interview.

¨ Review dates and times for your

scheduled volunteer position.

Benefits When You Volunteer

with GWSA

¨ Self-development

¨ Your help will mean a lot to so many

¨ Networking with other volunteers

¨ Complimentary beverages

New volunteers can connect with Eva

Quan, Program Committee Chairperson,

at programcommittee@gwsa-guelph.ca.

You are also welcome to call the GWSA

office at (519) 837-5696 to hear more

about what these committees do and

how you can assist.

Note A valid GWSA membership is

required to volunteer on committees and

with any activity group.


15

FOCUS ON MEMBERS

Friends with Benefits:

How Social Relationships Can

Lead to Better Health Outcomes

An article by Theodore D. Cosco, PhD

(Cantab) CPsychol 5 . Reproduced with

permission of Alive magazine.

W

hen we think about living a long

and happy life, we often focus on

factors such as genetics, cholesterol

levels, or even weight management. But

what if one of the most significant factors

in living a long and healthy life is

something less tangible?

An abundance of research indicates that

the quality of our social relationships can

play a critical role in our well-being as we

age. The strength of our social ties may

even have effects on our physical health,

contributing to how well we age.

In this article, we’ll explore how rich,

meaningful social relationships can

reduce the negative effects of aging, and

how we can cultivate these relationships

in our own lives.

Richness of relationships

―understanding different types of

connections

Not all social connections are created

equal. Rich relationships—those deep,

enduring bonds with family members,

romantic partners, close friends, and

supportive community members—differ

markedly from acquaintances or

coworkers in their impact on our wellbeing.

But what makes these connections

so powerful?

Social relationships, social

connectedness, and social networks are

closely related but distinct concepts

under the umbrella of social support.

Social relationships refer broadly to the

links between individuals that can take

many forms, ranging from acquaintances

to deep friendships. Social

connectedness refers to the subjective

feeling of being part of a community,

while social networks are the structural

ties we have, such as the number of

people in our social circle.

Social isolation versus loneliness

At the negative end of the spectrum, we

have social isolation and loneliness,

which are often confused but refer to

different experiences.

Social isolation is an objective measure

of how many contacts or people are in a

person’s social network. It is a countable

metric that determines whether someone

has few or no social connections; picture

5 Theodore D. Cosco, PhD (Cantab) CPsychol, is

director of the Precision Mental Health Lab, Associate

Professor of Mental Health and Aging (Public Policy,

Simon Fraser University), and Research Fellow (Oxford

Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford).


16

someone who lives by themselves

without any family or friends that visit.

Loneliness, on the other hand, is a

subjective experience—a feeling of being

alone even if surrounded by people. This

means that someone can be socially

isolated without feeling lonely, or they

may feel lonely despite being surrounded

by others.

Importance of meaningful

relationships

As a researcher, I’m very interested in

the importance of meaningful

relationships. In the UK, the National

Survey of Health and Development study

followed 5,236 participants from birth in

1946 until the present day, surveying

these individuals periodically throughout

their lives to track their health and wellbeing

over time.

In an analysis of data from this study,

my colleagues and I found that

individuals with greater social support

and community cohesion experienced

better mental health later in life,

particularly amongst those who had had

challenging childhoods.

Among the resources examined, social

support was particularly influential,

explaining 25 percent of the relationship

between early-life adversity and later-life

mental health. The quality, rather than

the quantity, of these relationships was

found to offset some of the negative

experiences that participants had had in

early life, leading to greater resilience

and better mental health as they grew

older.

Functions of friendship―more than

just social support

What sets rich relationships apart from

more casual connections is not only the

depth of the bond but also the variety of

support they provide. There are two

primary categories of social support—

structural and functional. Structural

support refers to the number of people

we interact with regularly, while

functional support refers to what those

people provide us, in terms of help,

advice, and emotional reassurance.

A systematic review of adult friendship

and well-being speaks to several

important functions of close adult

friendships, including three forms of

social support:

¨ Emotional support: friends offer

acceptance, sympathy, love, and

encouragement—a critical buffer

against life’s stressors.

¨ Instrumental support: friends may

also provide practical help, such as

financial assistance or help with daily

tasks.

¨ Informational support: friends

share advice or guidance as a key

function of friendship.

And the six functional components that

generally determine the quality of the

relationship include the following:

¨ Help, which includes the three

aforementioned forms of social

support.

¨ Stimulating companionship, which

involves participating in activities with

another person.

¨ Emotional security, in which close

friends provide a sense of safety


17

during new or challenging situations,

thus reducing stress.

¨ Reliable alliance, where trust and

loyalty form the foundation of any

deep friendship, making sure

someone will always have your back.

¨ Self-validation, where friends

provide the reassurance and

encouragement needed to maintain a

positive self-image.

¨ Intimacy, where the willingness to

share personal thoughts and feelings

builds a unique bond that is essential

for emotional well-being.

Having just a few strong friendships that

offer these different forms of support can

be more beneficial to our well-being than

having a large number of shallow

connections.

Health benefits of strong social

relationships

It’s clear that having rich social

relationships brings emotional comfort,

but recent research also underscores the

tangible health benefits of these

relationships. People with strong,

supportive relationships are more likely

to experience positive health outcomes.

A recent study led by one of my PhD

students, Shawna Hopper, examined the

impact of social isolation on cognitive

decline. It found that social isolation

reduced physical activity levels in older

adults, leading to diminished cognitive

performance. This was especially evident

in individuals over 65, with effects on

memory and executive function.

This research emphasizes that staying

socially connected, either through direct

interaction or through group activities,

can significantly affect the physical and

mental aspects of aging.

Conversely, loneliness and social

isolation have been linked to a higher

risk of developing health issues such as

cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline,

and even premature mortality. Social

isolation can reduce motivation for

physical activity, and loneliness can

increase stress levels, contributing to a

range of health problems.

Embrace and cultivate rich

relationships

Spring is the season of renewal—a time

when old trees sprout new leaves, and

we can foster new and existing

relationships. The evidence is clear: our

social connections profoundly influence

how well we age. By embracing the

beauty of meaningful social relationships,

we can improve not only our mental

health but also our physical well-being

and, ultimately, the quality and quantity

of our years.

Take this time to reflect on the people in

your life. Which relationships bring you

joy and fulfillment? Who can you reach

out to today to make a positive

connection? Whether it’s a close friend or

a family member, deepening your social

ties may bring health and happiness into

your life.

Healthy aging is more than a matter of

diet and exercise—it’s also about keeping

those rich relationships that help us

bloom, even as we grow older.


18

Underlying Physical Factors in Social

Connections…

A 2024 study investigated the mediating

role of physical activity in the

relationship between fatigue, pain, and

social participation among patients with

rheumatoid arthritis. The findings

highlight how illness perception

influences these dynamics, emphasizing

the importance of addressing both

psychological and physical factors to

improve patients’ social engagement and

overall quality of life.

Social Integration and Reduced

Mortality…

A US meta-analysis of 148 studies

involving over 300,000 participants

highlights a strong link between social

relationships and mortality risk.

Individuals with robust social ties had a

50 percent higher survival rate, an effect

comparable to or greater than traditional

risk factors like smoking, alcohol use,

and obesity. Social integration emerged

as the strongest predictor of reduced

mortality, with both structural and

functional relationship aspects playing

key roles.

2025 Pilot Transit Program

for Seniors

Seniors age 65+ can ride free on

Guelph Transit every Thursday from

Feb. 1–Dec. 31.

Kim R., a valued GWSA volunteer, went

home with $220, her share of the 50/50

raffle for February.


19

Who Knew I Had Artistic Skill

and Talent?!

F

or six weeks during February and

March, members of the GWSA

participated in watercolour painting

classes led by Rae Wright of Dragonfly

Art Studios.

Each week a different

theme was followed

by the painters, and

expert direction was

given by Rae.

Our painters were

surprised and excited

by their creations.

This group of seniors had fun, learned so

much, and dug deep to discover their

talents. That could

not have happened

without Rae’s

guidance and the

generous support of

the CN’s Employees

and Pensioners’

Community Fund.

GWSA would like to thank CN for

bringing smiles, warmth and

companionship to a group of grateful

seniors.


20

Thank You to The Kloepfer

Gallery

By Kim Taylor

O

n behalf of the GWSA West Hills Art

Group, I would like to extend a

thank you to Audrey Kloepfer of

“Kloepfer Custom Framing and Gallery”

for hosting our members for an

outstanding art exhibit. Our official

opening was Saturday, February 22 nd ,

and the turnout was fantastic. Audrey

put a great deal of effort into

presenting the work to highlight each

artist’s creations.

The gallery is not only a studio suitable

for art exhibits, but as a custom

framing and home decor store. It is

wonderful to have this support from our

community. The Kloepfer Gallery is

located next to the Royal Plaza on

Paisley by Market Fresh.

Thank you again, Audrey!


21

Art in the Hall Show

A

rt in the Hall has combined two

groups for the month of March

and the beginning of April. In the

windows outside room 4, a

Watercolour Class run by the City of

Guelph and attended by many GWSA

members presents The Year of the

Snake, along with beautiful

watercolour paintings.

On the walls, you will see gorgeous

embroidery framed pieces from the

Bunka Group. Bunka meets

Wednesdays from 9:15 a.m. to noon.

Debbie Wilson instructs the Monday

morning classes at the Evergreen Centre.

Enjoy the shows!


22

Thank You from the Craft Group

By Sheila Robinson

W

e at the Friday Craft class have

really appreciated all your support

over the many years we have been in

existence through our shop inside the

GWSA Evergreen Centre.

Everything you buy through our crafts

store supports the GWSA and all that

they do for seniors in our community.

The store has been moved and is now

down the hall near Room 2. Now, more

than ever, it is important that you

continue to support us and all the work

that the ladies do. We not only support

our seniors of the GWSA Evergreen

Centre, but we also support the needy in

our community by donating a lot of the

goods we make to the people that need

them.

So, once again, a big thank you and a

big shout out to all the ladies in the

class. Please come and look for us in our

new spot and support the GWSA

Evergreen Centre!

Evergreen Market Place

“For Sale” ads will be left in for three

issues from first insertion (i.e., in Sept.

issue and removed in Dec. issue). If you

want to leave it in longer, please contact

the Sentinel office. If your item sells, let

us know so that we can remove it.

“Accommodation” or “vehicle” ads will

not be included in the Evergreen Market.

Such ads will be treated as advertising

material inserted within these pages at

the current Sentinel advertising rates

plus HST.

For Sale

Piano rolls. Forty-two (42) piano rolls

for Q-R-S player piano. Call John (519)

822-3548.

Spinning wheel and wool holder.

Large size. Asking $75. Call Patricia Ing

(519) 822-2622.

Tea wagon. Made of pine. Like

new. Asking $150. Call Patricia Ing (519)

822-2622.

Hoyer lift. Like new. All hydraulic (no

wires of any kind). Hospital quality.

Complete with two different sized slings.

Asking $250. Delivery included in the

Guelph area. Call Peter Smith (519) 217-

8986.

Birthdays

Lennard Paxman turned 101 years young

on March 13 th . Congratulations, Len!

Warren Gregg, a GWSA Sentinel driver,

turned 85 on March 16 th .

Recent Passings

Arthur (Art) Mead passed January 20,

2025 (born September 28, 1930). Art

was an avid carver and member of the

GWSA wood carving club.

Lucille Turner, long-time member of

GWSA, passed March 1, 2025 (born July

10, 1942).

Christine Townsend (Trimble) passed

January 5, 2025, at age 70.


23



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Easter Eggs-traviganza

Join us for an egg hunt & Petting Zoo

RSVP

519.589.1187

Kids Egg Hunt for Prize

Meet the Easter Bunny

Petting Zoo Baby Animals

Face Painting

April 12th

2- 4pm

520 Victoria Rd N, Guelph


29


30

Guelph FHT's Wellness Workshops are

offered at no cost and open to everyone!

You can print and view the schedule by

visiting our

webpage:www.guelphfht.com/wellnessworkshops-and-programs/

Note: Dates/times/locations may change. Keep

checking website/email for any updates.

FREE Wellness Workshops in April,

presented by the Guelph Family Health

Team:

Calming Strategies (Topic: Guided Imagery)

Date: Thursday, April 10

Time: 12:00 pm–12:45 pm EST

Location: *VIRTUAL webinar only

Learn more HERE

Intro to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy -

Part 1 (3 sessions)

Dates: Thursday, April 10, 17, 24



Learn more HERE

Let's Talk About: Food + Mood

Date: Wednesday, April 16



Learn more HERE

How to Have Hard Conversations: Death

and Dying (2 sessions)

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 30

Time: 11:00 am–12:00 pm EST

Location: In-Person – Suite 500, 649

Scottsdale Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4T7

Learn more HERE

Calming Strategies (Topic: Progressive

Muscle Relaxation)

Date: Thursday, April 24



Learn more HERE


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36

HELLO SPRING

ANNUAL SPRING MARKET

May 10 th , 2025 @ 9AM – 2PM

St Joseph’s Catholic Church - 409 Paisley Rd, Guelph

NEW VENDORS ARE WELCOME

Contact – Wendy Synnott

Email – synnottw@yahoo.ca

Book your 6ft table for $35

Registration deadline May 3, 2025

E-transfer registration available

Hot lunch available for purchase

Phone – 519-222-2848


37

PUZZLES, GAMES & COMICS

Solution on page 41


38

Solutions on page 41


39


BISTRO 683 MENU: APRIL

40

The Evergreen Restaurant is open to the

public and serves a large variety of menu

items that are available from 9:00 a.m.

to 1:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (except

holidays).

Coffee and tea services are available

until 2 p.m. Take-out is also available for

your convenience.

Featured hot lunch is $7.50 plus tax.

Each is served from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. as

a full and balanced nutritional meal.

The Bistro serves a large variety of “Take

Home Frozen Meals” available in the

Bistro freezer all day from 9 a.m. to

4:30 p.m.

Catering is available by special order.

Place your order with the customer

service clerk at least 48 hours before

your event.

For more information, call (519) 837-

5699 or email recreation@guelph.ca.

*Breakfast served starting at 9 a.m.


1

Pizza and Salad

2

Moroccan Turkey

Meatballs and Rice

3

Channa Masala

4

Pork Enchiladas

7

8

9

10

11

Brie and Turkey Melt

Sandwich

Mexican Rice bowl

Vegetable Lasagna

Liver and Onions

Beef Stew

14

15

16

17

18

Beef and Vegetable

Pot Pie

Teriyaki Salmon Rice

Bowl

Beef and Vegetable

Stir Fry with Chow

Mein Noodles

All day Easter Brunch

9 a.m.–1 p.m.

CLOSED

Good Friday

21

22

23

24

25

CLOSED

Easter Monday

Beef and Mushroom

Stroganoff

Thai Shrimp and

Chicken Stir Fry

Roasted Greek

Chicken Dinner

Chicken Corn

Chowder

28

29

30

Greek Chicken Salad

Chicken and

Vegetable Pot Pie

Pho Chicken Soup

with Rice Noodles


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April Sentinel 2025

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